What Crew Members Say About Joline

On November 21, 2023, the livestock carrier 'Jolene' set sail from Ramsgate port at 11 a.m., transporting two lorries loaded with hundreds of sheep. Before the ship left, concerns were raised about one of the lorries, which had closed sides and was inaccessible to RSPCA inspectors. However, the second lorry was open, revealing a lame sheep. Despite efforts by a Defra veterinarian to locate the animal, the search proved fruitless, and the ship departed with the sheep onboard. By 1 p.m., as deteriorating weather conditions in the English Channel posed risks, the decision was made to return the 'Jolene' to Ramsgate, where it docked again at 4:30 p.m. Upon arrival, Animal Health inspectors stated they would conduct an examination of the sheep on the vessel. The RSPCA made a formal request to participate in this inspection but was denied access. After an eight-minute evaluation by Animal Health, the lorries were subsequently unloaded and left the port, with no information given to the RSPCA regarding the sheep's final destination. The 'Jolene' remains docked at Ramsgate, with no updates available on when the ship intends to set sail again.

In a contentious decision, a ferry carrying a significant load of sheep was compelled to turn back to Ramsgate due to fierce gale force winds. The RSPCA's chief executive, Gavin Grant, criticized this practice, labeling it 'barbaric' for exposing animals to perilous conditions at sea on open decks. This incident unfolded after the Joline departed Ramsgate yesterday morning, transporting two lorries filled with hundreds of sheep. As the weather deteriorated in the English Channel, the Joline reversed course and returned safely to port, docking at approximately 4:30 PM. The incident raises serious concerns about animal welfare during maritime transport in extreme weather conditions.